Tom Lynch

As The Daley Center hosts the hearing regarding the potential closing of Big Chicks, the crowd breathes heavily on one another.

"Everyone must pass through security today," a uniformed guard says to more than fifty groaning people waiting outside the courtroom, all supporters of the beloved Uptown gay and lesbian bar. "And if your cell phones go off, you're out." They shift through the line, only to find that they have to wait some more, as the courtroom is full.

The previous night, Big Chicks owner Michelle Fire sent out an email begging for customer support, and she got her wish. Dozens turned out to intimidate the Liquor License Control Commission. The judge's final decision was to not decide at all, postponing the case until January 13. Until then, the bar's heart still beats.

"Let's hear it for Michelle!" a young man in a leather jacket yells as Fire exits the courtroom. The hallway erupts in applause and the ABC Channel 7 news camera moves in for its close-up. Fire averts the lens and gets lost in the crowd. Fans pat her on the back in congratulation. "Let's go bother the alderman," Fire snickers as she heads up to the third floor.

"Clear the hallway!" a voice shouts. The crowd follows orders and disperses. "Thanks for coming," the judge says, amused by the outpouring of support for a mere ninety-second discussion. Minutes later, the Daley Center is back to normal--the TV crew is gone, security looks bored.

(2003-12-02)

Also by Tom Lynch

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Tip of the Week
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